Writes Haziq A. (Y8)
The 2026 Ski Trip was a mix of challenge, progression and unexpected fun, with each day building confidence both on and off the slopes.
The journey began with travel from the UK to Italy, followed by a long and winding coach transfer into the mountains. Although tiring, the atmosphere stayed upbeat, with us singing on the coach and growing increasingly excited as we approached the resort. As we climbed higher, snow began to appear on the surrounding mountains, and many of us took photos of the impressive views. We arrived in the dark, but the scale of the mountains and the ski village was immediately striking. We were staying at Sport Hotel Pampeago, based in the Dolomites, which provided the main base for the week.
The first day was mainly about settling in. After receiving our room allocations, we collected our ski equipment, including boots, helmets and skis, and began adjusting to the routine of life in the mountains. Each morning required a good level of organisation as we prepared our gear and headed to the slopes as a group. By the end of the week, this routine had become second nature. On the first full skiing day, we were split into ability-based groups and met our instructors. Conditions were crisp, providing an ideal surface for skiing. While beginners focused on the fundamentals, such as learning how to put their skis on, moving confidently on flat terrain and mastering basic control, the more advanced groups were able to explore longer runs and refine their technique from the outset. It was physically demanding, and by the end of the day most of us were completely exhausted, but it felt like things were starting to click.
Although we were based in Pampeago for most of the trip, we also travelled by coach to different ski areas. One day was spent at a smaller resort in Bellamonte with excellent conditions and a more scenic feel, offering enjoyable runs throughout the day. The next day we visited a higher-altitude area with some of the longest runs of the week and wide panoramic views across the mountains in Chemise.
Over the following days, the weather was on our side, with most of the week offering near-perfect conditions for skiing. This allowed everyone to make steady progress, whether that meant building confidence on gentler slopes or refining technique on more challenging terrain. Runs became longer, turns smoother and the mountain gradually felt more familiar. Chairlift journeys became a highlight in themselves, offering time to talk with friends while taking in the stunning alpine scenery.
A regular highlight during the skiing days was stopping for hot chocolate partway through the sessions. It acted as a short break from skiing, giving everyone a chance to warm up, rest their legs and regroup before heading back out onto the slopes. These stops also became a social part of the day, with people chatting and taking in the mountain surroundings before continuing the runs. A major activity away from the slopes was the indoor climbing session, which included both roped climbing and bouldering. The roped climbs tested endurance and confidence, allowing us to tackle higher and more challenging routes, while the bouldering walls required balance, strength and careful problem-solving without the support of ropes. Many of us found ourselves planning each move in advance, creating a sense of friendly competition and encouragement. By the end of the session, everyone was completely exhausted, but the feeling of achievement made it one of the most memorable activities of the trip.
Evenings at the hotel provided valuable downtime after long days on the slopes. Meals were enjoyable, with pasta appearing so regularly that it quickly became a running theme of the trip. Free time was often spent in the games room playing table football or simply unwinding in rooms and chatting with friends. The final day stood out as the most demanding, with strong winds creating noticeably harsher conditions. Despite this, everyone adapted well and continued skiing, providing a fitting conclusion to the week’s activities. After that, we came down to the bottom of the mountain to return our equipment, marking the end of our time skiing on the mountains. That evening, we gathered for a light-hearted awards presentation celebrating the achievements and contributions of the trip. The awards recognised skiing progress, perseverance and positive attitudes, offering a chance to reflect on the week and share a final moment together. The journey home marked the end of a packed week. After packing, we began the long return trip to the UK. Everyone was completely shattered, and although we arrived back quite late, there was a quiet sense of relief at being back after an intense but enjoyable week skiing.
